Bachelor of Science in Ecosystem Science and Restoration

This exciting program spans ecology from microbial to global scales and includes basic and applied science. As an ESR major, you can focus on either aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems and tailor your experience to best fit your interests and start a career in as ecologists, botanists, watershed hydrologists, or restoration practitioners with non-profit, private, or governmental agencies and for graduate school in ecology or natural resource management. The W.A Franke College of Forestry and Conservation offers a Bachelor of Science in Ecosystem Science and Restoration and a minor in Ecological Restoration. For more information see the Ecosystem Science and Restoration website. 

Degree Concentrations

Bachelor of Science in Ecosystem Science and Restoration (Aquatic and Terrestrial Concentrations)

The major in Ecosystem Science and Restoration prepares students to understand how ecosystems work and tackle the complex challenges associated with repairing degraded ecosystems. Students select one of two concentrations:

• the Terrestrial Concentration, which focuses on restoration of forests, grasslands, and other terrestrial ecosystems; or
• the Aquatic Concentration which focuses on stream, river, lake, or wetland restoration.

Both concentrations provide in-depth training in how ecosystems function, the science of restoration ecology and the management activities, as well as, an introduction to the policy and human dimensions of natural resource management and restoration practice. Students engage in field-based learning, contribute to cutting-edge restoration projects, and are challenged to apply ecological theory to research projects and restoration practice. 

A degree in Ecosystem Science and Restoration prepares students for careers as ecologists or restoration practitioners with non-profit, private, or governmental agencies and for graduate school in ecology or natural resource management. Students who graduate with this major may qualify for the following federal civil service jobs:

• biological technician (Series 0404),
• ecologist (Series GS-408),
• forester (Series G-0460),
• hydrologist (Series GS-1315),
• range technician (Series GS-0455), and
• soil conservationist (Series GS-0457).

More information can be found on the federal civil service requirements website. 

Minor in Ecological Restoration

In addition to the major, the Ecosystem Science and Restoration program also offers a minor for students who wish to gain basic competency in restoration while pursuing another UM major.